Bible Studies

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Yahweh Tsuri (Zsu-REE ) is a Hebrew name meaning, The Lord is my Rock. To fully appreciate this name, I went to the dictionary and looked up the definitions for the word rock:

ROCK = a large mass of stone forming a peak or cliff; anything like or suggesting a rock--as in strength, or stability, a firm support, or a refuge.

ROCK = to move or sway back and forth or from side to side (as in cradling a child in ones arms) in a gentling and quieting manner.

ROCK = to move or sway strongly; shake up or upset a position physically or emotionally.

Wow, we could stop right here! Just by reading these definitions, each of us could think of situations where we counted on the stability and firm support of our God--a time when we ran to him for courage and strength to accomplish what seemed an impossible task.

How about the time when we knew He was carrying us--we felt His loving arms around us and we knew He was rocking us--calming our nerves and His peace was pouring out of us in the midst of a raging storm.

I don't know about you, but the third definition of rock is the most uncomfortable. Most of us can remember a time when we wanted to shake someone and knock some sense into them--wake them--open their eyes because we see their life taking a wrong turn. So it goes with Yahweh Tsuri. There are times when he has to rock our world in a disciplinary sense because we are acting like spoiled brats. Okay, so maybe you don't, but I have been known to fight God in such a way that is equivalent to throwing a temper tantrum, rolling around on the ground because I can't have my way.

Even though we might see this third idea of ROCK as a negative, it is the most loving thing our Father can express--it fits right in with the whole tough-love thing.

This name for God expresses the fullness and well-balanced nature of our great God and Savior! We can count on Him to come to us from every angle to give us what we need to live this life of faith.

Let's read Psalm 62:1-2 together:

"Truly my soul waits for God; from Him comes my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation: He is my defense; I shall not be greatly moved." (NKJV)

What a beautiful picture of the fullness of God. I believe it would serve us well to paraphrase this passage of Scripture using the definitions of rock--our own amplified version:

I mean it when I say that my soul waits for God. He is the only one who gives me salvation. I can stand on him and put all my weight on him because he is solid, he is steady and he will not budge when I lean on him. He is also the one who will wrap his arms around me when I am lonely or afraid. He will gently rock me to sleep. I can count on Him to keep me from walking down the wrong path. He will shake me out of my indifferent attitude and set my feet back on the right path. In addition, because of this, no one will be able to bring me down when I remember all of these things.

This is my paraphrase, I encourage you to take a moment and write out yours. Put in on your refrigerator door, keep it in your Bible—put it in a place where you can take hold of it in a moments need.

As you read your Bible, keep Yahweh Tsuri in the forefront of your mind. Each time you come across the word rock, pause a moment and reflect on its deepest meaning. Then rest in its truth and watch how it will transform your life. I am doing the same.

If you wish, read 1 Peter 2:4-8. Rewrite this passage in your own words. How does this fresh understanding of the Lord our Rock affect your understanding of this passage of Scripture and how does it give a deeper meaning to why Jesus is called the chief cornerstone? If it helps, look up the word cornerstone and see what the dictionary has to say about this word.

Yahweh Tsuri - how can words even describe the gratitude of our hearts for all you are to us. No wonder your word tells us we are complete in Christ. There is nothing you have missed, you cover all basis where we are concerned. Thank you for helping us to remember this. Whether its by gently rocking us or shaking us up, you accomplish your will and purpose in our lives. Thank you for your faithfulness! All who agree, say Amen.


© Teresa Ortiz 2008

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